Fluid disinfection apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

Aspects of exemplary fluid disinfection apparatus and methods are described. One aspect is a disinfection apparatus comprising a body comprising a reflecting chamber, a fluid channel to direct a fluid into reflecting chamber, and radiation source positioned to output a disinfecting radiation into the chamber. The body may include an inlet and outlet. For example, the inlet may extend through the body to receive a fluid at a first velocity; the reflecting chamber may extend along an axis of the body; and the outlet may extend through an end of the reflecting chamber to discharge the fluid from the body. In this example, the fluid channel may direct the fluid from the inlet into the reflecting chamber at a second velocity smaller than the first velocity; and the radiation source may be positioned to output the disinfecting radiation into the reflecting chamber toward the outlet.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to fluid disinfection apparatus and methods.Particular aspects may comprise an ultraviolet (“UV”) photo-reactor.

BACKGROUND

Fluids such as air and water may be exposed to a dose of disinfectingradiation in order to kill microbes and decompose organic contaminants.For example, the fluids may be directed into a chamber, and a UVradiation may be output from a point source in a chamber, such a UV LEDor similar radiation source. The dose may be defined as an amount ofenergy “Q” (mJ per cm²) to which the fluids are exposed from thedisinfecting radiation; and calculated as the product of irradiance “I”(mW per cm²) multiplied by a fluid residence time “r” (s). Aspects ofdose Q may be tuned. For example, a more powerful point source of UVradiation may be used to obtain a dose Q of UV radiation by increasingthe UV irradiance.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure is an exemplary disinfectionapparatus. This apparatus may comprise a body. The body may include aninlet extending through the body to receive a fluid at a first velocity;a reflecting chamber extending along an axis of the body; and an outletextending through an end of the reflecting chamber to discharge thefluid from the body. The apparatus may comprise a fluid channel in thebody to direct a fluid from the inlet into the reflecting chamber. Forexample, the fluid may be directed into the reflecting chamber by thefluid channel at a second velocity smaller than the first velocity. Theapparatus also may comprise a radiation source positioned to output adisinfecting radiation into the reflecting chamber toward the outlet.For example, the source may be a UV LED. The inlet may be generallytransverse with the axis, and the outlet may be generally parallel tothe axis. In some aspects, the outlet may be coaxial with the axis; andthe radiation source may be coaxial with the axis so that a portion ofthe disinfecting radiation is discharged from the outlet with the fluid.For example, a portion of discharged radiation may further disinfect thefluid downstream of the apparatus. A cross-section of the reflectingchamber across the axis may be circular. The body and the reflectingchamber may include a similar shape or volume along the axis. Any shapeor volume may be used. For example, the similar shape or volume may becylindrical, conical, polygonal, pyramidal, spherical, or prismatic.

Dimensions of the reflecting chamber and the radiation source may beconfigured to distribute the disinfecting radiation throughout thereflecting chamber. For example, the reflecting chamber may have alength and a diameter, and the length divided by the diameter may beequal to between approximately 0.5 and approximately 2; or betweenapproximately 0.5 and approximately 3. In some aspects, the axis mayextend between a first end of the body and a second end of the body; theradiation source may be disposed at the first end; the reflectingchamber may be disposed between the first and second ends; the outletmay extend through the first end; and the inlet may be adjacent thefirst end.

Interior surfaces of the reflecting chamber may include a reflectivematerial. Any type of reflective material may be used, including UVreflective materials. For example, the fluid channel may at leastpartially surround the reflecting chamber, and the reflecting chambermay be defined by an internal structure extending along the axis in thebody. As a further example, the radiation source may include one or morepoint sources; and the one or more point sources may emit thedisinfecting radiation in a direction generally parallel to the axis.

The apparatus may comprise a window disposed between the radiationsource and the reflective chamber. The disinfecting radiation may passthrough the window. And the window also may seal the radiation sourcefrom the fluid. For example, the disinfecting radiation may include awavelength of between approximately 200 nm to approximately 320 nm; ormay include a peak wavelength of between approximately 230 nm toapproximately 300 nm. The radiation source may be a UV-LED, and mayinclude various optical components, such as a lens.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is an exemplary fluiddisinfection method. This method may comprise: directing a fluid from aninlet of a body at a first velocity into a reflecting chamber at asecond velocity less than the first velocity; exposing the fluid to adisinfecting radiation output into the reflecting chamber toward theoutlet; and discharging the fluid from the body out of an outletextending through an end of the reflecting chamber. In some aspects, thesecond velocity may be less than 50% of the first velocity.

The body may comprise a fluid channel and directing the fluid maycomprise directing the fluid through the fluid channel. The reflectingchamber may have a length and a diameter, and the length divided by thediameter may be equal to between approximately 0.5 and approximately 2;or between approximately 0.5 and approximately 3. The inlet and theoutlet may be disposed at one end of the body, and directing the fluidmay comprise: directing the fluid from the inlet in a first directionalong to the axis; and directing the fluid into reflecting chamber in asecond direction along the axis, wherein the first direction isdifferent from the first direction. For example, directing the fluid maycomprise directing the fluid from the first direction to the seconddirection. As a further example, directing the fluid through the fluidchannel also may comprise causing the fluid to at least partiallysurround the reflecting chamber. For example, the fluid may be directedbetween an interior surface of the body and an exterior surface of thereflecting chamber.

Exposing the fluid to the disinfecting radiation may comprise outputtingthe disinfecting radiation from a radiation source disposed on the body.For example, the method may comprise diverting the fluid from the fluidchannel into the reflecting chamber with an internal surface of the bodydisposed adjacent the radiation source. The method may compriseoutputting the disinfecting radiation towards the outlet, such as fromone or more point sources of the radiation source. The inlet may begenerally transverse with the outlet, and the method also may comprisedischarging at least a portion of the disinfecting radiation out of theoutlet with fluid. The method also may comprise causing the disinfectingradiation to be reflected off of reflective surfaces of the reflectingchamber. In some aspects, exposing the fluid to the disinfectingradiation may comprise outputting the radiation through a windowdisposed between the radiation source and reflecting chamber. Forexample, the disinfecting radiation may have a wavelength of betweenapproximately 200 nm to approximately 320 nm; or between approximately230 nm to approximately 290 nm, such that exposing the fluid to thedisinfecting radiation may comprise outputting UV radiation.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is another disinfectionapparatus. This apparatus may comprise: a body comprising an inletextending through the body to receive a fluid at a first velocity; areflecting means extending along an axis of the body; and an outletextending through an end of the reflecting means to discharge the fluidfrom the body. The apparatus may comprise a flow means in the body todirect a fluid from the inlet into the reflecting means. The fluid maybe directed by the flow means at a second velocity smaller than thefirst velocity. The apparatus also may comprise a radiation meanspositioned to output a disinfecting radiation into the reflecting meanstoward the outlet.

The inlet may be generally transverse with the axis, and the outlet maybe generally parallel to the axis. In some aspects, the outlet may becoaxial with the axis; and the radiation means may be coaxial with theaxis so that a portion of the disinfecting radiation is discharged fromthe outlet with the fluid. For example, a portion of dischargedradiation may further disinfect the fluid downstream of the apparatus. Across-section of the reflecting means across the axis may be circular.The body and the reflecting means may include a similar shape or volumealong the axis. Any shape or volume may be used. For example, thesimilar shape or volume may be cylindrical, conical, polygonal,pyramidal, spherical, or prismatic.

Dimensions of the reflecting means and the radiation means may beconfigured to distribute the disinfecting radiation throughout thereflecting means. For example, the reflecting means may have a lengthand a diameter, and the length divided by the diameter may be equal tobetween approximately 0.5 and approximately 2; or between approximately0.5 and approximately 3. In some aspects, the axis may extend between afirst end of the body and a second end of the body; the radiation meansmay be disposed at the first end; the reflecting means may be disposedbetween the first and second ends; the outlet may extend through thefirst end; and the inlet may be adjacent the first end.

Interior surfaces of the reflecting means may include a UV reflectivematerial. Any type of reflective material may be used, including UVreflective materials. For example, the flow means may at least partiallysurround the reflecting means, and the reflecting means may be definedby an internal structure extending along the axis in the body. As afurther example, the radiation means may include one or more pointsources; and the one or more point sources may emit the disinfectingradiation in a direction generally parallel to the axis.

The apparatus also may comprise a transmitting means disposed betweenthe radiation means and the reflective means. The disinfecting radiationpasses through the transmitting means. And the transmitting means mayseal the radiation means from the fluid. For example, the disinfectingradiation may include a wavelength of between approximately 200 nm toapproximately 320 nm; or a peak wavelength of between approximately 230nm to approximately 300 m. The radiation means may comprise a UV-LED,and may comprise optical means, such as a lens.

Still yet another aspect of the present disclosure is anotherdisinfection apparatus. This apparatus may comprise: a cap attached to abody; an inlet extending through the body to receive a fluid; areflecting chamber extending along an axis of the body; and an outletextending through the reflecting chamber to discharge the fluid from thebody. The cap may comprise a radiation source positioned to output adisinfecting radiation into the reflecting chamber toward the outletwhen attached to the body. The body and/or the cap may be composed of athermally conductive material. For example, the cap may be thermallycoupled to the body and the radiation source so that heat from thesource may be transferred into the body through the cap. As a furtherexample, the body and/or the cap may be thermally coupled to the fluid(e.g., in contact therewith) so that at least a portion of the heat maybe transferred to the fluid to cool radiation source.

Aspects of related kits and systems are also disclosed. It may beunderstood that both the foregoing summary and the following detaileddescriptions are exemplary and explanatory only, neither beingrestrictive of the inventions claimed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate exemplary aspects that, togetherwith the written descriptions, serve to explain the principles of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary fluid disinfection apparatus.

FIG. 2 depicts a section view of the FIG. 1 apparatus taken along asection line A-A depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a top-down view of the FIG. 1 apparatus taken along asection line B-B depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts a top-down view of another exemplary fluid disinfectionapparatus.

FIG. 5 depicts a top-down view of another exemplary fluid disinfectionapparatus.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary fluid velocity contour.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary irradiance distribution.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary absolute incoherent irradiance.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary diagram of total power.

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary diagram of average dose.

FIG. 11 depicts another exemplary fluid disinfection apparatus.

FIG. 12 depicts another exemplary fluid disinfection apparatus.

FIG. 13 depicts another exemplary irradiance distribution.

FIG. 14 depicts another exemplary irradiance distribution.

FIG. 15 depicts another exemplary absolute incoherent irradiance.

FIG. 16 depicts another exemplary fluid disinfection apparatus.

FIG. 17 depicts another exemplary irradiance distribution.

FIG. 18 depicts another exemplary fluid disinfection apparatus.

FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary fluid disinfection method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure are now described with reference toexemplary fluid disinfection apparatus and methods. Some aspects aredescribed with reference to a body comprising a reflecting chamber, afluid channel to direct a fluid into the reflecting chamber, and aradiation source to output a dose Q (mJ per cm²) of a disinfectingradiation into the reflecting chamber. Dose Q may be calculated as theproduct of irradiance “I” (mW per cm²) multiplied by a fluid residencetime “r” (s) (“Equation 1”). For example, the reflecting chamber andfluid channel may include interconnecting volumes in the body; theradiation source may be a UV point source, such as a UV LED; and thedisinfecting radiation may include a UV radiation. Unless claimed, theseexamples are provided for convenience and not intended to limit thepresent disclosure. Accordingly, the concepts described in thisdisclosure may be utilized for any analogous apparatus or method, usingany type of disinfecting radiation.

Numerous axes are described. In particular, a set of three directionalaxes may be described, including an X-X axis, a Y-Y axis, and a Z-Zaxis. Each axis may be transverse with the next so as to establish acoordinate system. The term “transverse” means: lying, or being across;set crosswise; or made at right angles to an axis, and includesperpendicular and non-perpendicular arrangements. The term“longitudinal” may be used to describe relative components and features.For example, longitudinal may refer to an object having a firstdimension or length that is longer in relation to a second dimension orwidth. These directional terms are provided for convenience and do notlimit this disclosure unless claimed.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any othervariation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, suchthat an apparatus, method, or element thereof comprising a list ofelements does not include only those elements, but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent the apparatus or method.Unless stated otherwise, the term “exemplary” is used in the sense of“example,” rather than “ideal.” Various terms of approximation may beused in this disclosure, including “approximately” and “generally.”Approximately means within plus or minus 10% of a stated number.

Aspects of an exemplary disinfection apparatus 10 are now described. Asshown in FIG. 1, disinfection apparatus 10 may comprise hydrodynamic andoptical aspects operable with a radiation source 90 to deliver anoptimal energy dose Q of a disinfecting radiation to a first fluid F₁.Numerous hydrodynamic and optical aspects of apparatus 10 are describedwith respect to an exemplary body 20, shown in FIG. 1 as extending alongan axis Y-Y. As shown, body 20 may comprise: an inlet 30 to a fluidchamber 40, a cap 50, a reflecting chamber 70 in fluid chamber 40, andan outlet 80 from chamber 70.

Inlet 30 may extend through any portion of body 20 to input first fluidF₁. As shown in FIG. 1, inlet 30 may comprise an inlet structure 32extending outwardly from body 20 along an axis X-X and a lumen 34extending through body 20 along axis X-X for communication with fluidchamber 40. For example, first fluid F₁ may be input to lumen 34 from afirst hose or tube engageable with inlet structure 32.

Fluid chamber 40 may comprise one or more interior shapes or volumes. Atleast two of the interior shapes volumes may be interconnecting. Asshown in FIG. 2, for example, an interior structure 42 may be located influid chamber 40 to define two interconnected interior shapes orvolumes, including a flow channel 44 and reflecting chamber 70. Forexample, flow channel 44 may be a first interconnecting shape or volumeon an exterior side of structure 42, and reflecting chamber 70 may be asecond interconnecting shape or volume on an interior side of structure42. In this example, first fluid F₁ may: (i) enter through inlet 30;(ii) pass through body 20 in lumen 34; (iii) enter flow channel 44; (iv)be directed into reflecting chamber 70 by channel 44; (v) be exposed tothe disinfecting radiation in chamber 70; and (v) exit through outlet 80as a second fluid F₂. Because of the disinfecting radiation, secondfluid F₂ may be different from first fluid F₁. For example, first fluidF₁ may contain a first quantity of contaminants (e.g., microbes andorganic contaminants), second fluid F₂ may contain a second quantity ofcontaminants (e.g., microbes and organic contaminants), and the secondquantity may be less than the first quantity, making fluid F₂disinfected relative to fluid F₁. As described below, othercharacteristics of second fluid F₂ also may be different from firstfluid F₁, such as velocity and temperature.

The one or more interior shapes or volumes of fluid chamber 40 mayinclude the same or different cross-sectional areas. Any regular orirregularly shaped area(s) may be used, including circular,quadrilateral, polygonal, and the like. As shown in FIG. 3, flow channel44 and reflecting chamber 70 may have circular cross-sectional areasthat are coaxial with axis Y-Y. For example, flow channel 44 maycomprise an open cylindrical volume extending along axis Y-Y between afirst end in communication with lumen 34 and a second end incommunication with reflecting chamber 70. In this example, the opencylindrical volume may be defined by: (i) a distance between interiorsurface 23 of body 20 and an interior elevation 43 in body 20 along axisY-Y; and (ii) a cross-sectional area about axis Y-Y between an interiorsurface 28 of body 20 and an exterior surface 41 of structure 42 alongthe distance. As a further example, flow channel 44 may include aconduit connecting its first and second ends; and the conduit may extendalong axis Y-Y, wrap around interior structure 42 about axis Y-Y, ortake any other path within fluid chamber 40.

The second end of flow channel 44 may be configured to direct firstfluid F₁ into reflecting chamber 70. For example, the second end ofchannel 44 may direct first fluid F₁ toward an interior surface 27 ofbody 20 configured to redirect fluid F₁ towards axis Y-Y, over interiorstructure 42 at interior elevation 43, and into reflecting chamber 70.As shown in FIG. 2, interior surface 27 may be disposed generallytransversely with axis Y-Y to direct fluid F₁ toward axis Y-Y and intochamber 70. Interior surface 27 may include any number featuresconfigured to direct and/or modify the flow of first fluid F₁, includingcurves, protrusions, ridges, and the like.

Cap 50 may be attached to any portion of body 20 and configured to sealfluid chamber 40. As shown in FIG. 2, cap 50 may be attached to a firstend 22 of body 20 with any type of sealing elements, includingadhesives, heat treatments, threads, and the like. Radiation source 90may be attached to cap 50 and configured to output a disinfectingradiation into fluid chamber 40. For example, source 90 may include oneor more point sources and associated electronic components mounted to ininterior compartment 54 on an underside of cap 50. The point source(s)may include an UV-LED, and the disinfecting radiation may include the UVradiation, including any combination of UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. In someaspects, radiation source 90 and interior compartment 54 may be coaxialwith axis Y-Y, as shown in FIG. 2, wherein radiation source 90 ispositioned to output the disinfecting radiation into reflecting chamber70 toward outlet 80 so that a portion of the radiation is dischargedfrom chamber 70 through outlet 80 with first fluid F₁. For example, thisarrangement may allow one or more UV LEDs apply a first dose Q of UVradiation in reflecting chamber 70 and a second dose Q of UV radiationdownstream of chamber 70.

At least one of cap 50 or first end 22 of body 20 may comprise a window56 configured to seal radiation source 90 within compartment 54 of cap50. As shown in FIG. 2, compartment 54 may extend into an underside ofcap 50 and window 54 may be attached to the underside. For example,window 54 may be composed of a radiation transparent material configuredto: (i) seal radiation source 90 within interior compartment 54 when cap50 is attached to first end 22, and (ii) allow the disinfectingradiation to pass into chamber 40. For example, window 54 may include aquartz or quartz-like material configured to pass UV radiation therethrough.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, cap 50 may be composed of a thermallyconductive material (e.g., aluminum). Cap 50 also may be configured tocool radiation source 90 with first fluid F₁. For example, cap 50 may inconductive communication with first fluid F₁ and radiation source 90when attached to body 20, allowing a temperature of fluid F₁ to coolpoint source(s) of radiation source 90. As a further example, thethermally conductive material of cap 50 also may be in conductivecommunication with a thermally conductive portion of body 20, allowingall or portions of body 20 to provide an additional heat sink.

Any interior surface of fluid chamber 40 may be reflective. For example,interior surfaces of reaction chamber 70 may be defined by interiorstructure 42, and at least those surfaces may be made of or coated withthe reflective material. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the interiorsurfaces of chamber 70 may have a cylindrical surface area, and at leastthat surface area inside fluid chamber 40 may be reflective. Any type ofreflective material may be used, including UV reflective materials. Forexample, the UV reflective material may comprise one or more of apolytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”), a low density PTFE, aluminum, and aTeflon or Teflon-like material configured to provide high level ofdiffuse reflectance. In some aspects, the interior surfaces of structure42 may comprise a semiconducting photo-catalyst material. For example,the photo-catalyst material may be activated by UV radiation (e.g.,UV-C) and utilized to degrade organic compounds and deactivate airand/or water borne pathogens. Interior surfaces of body 20 and/orexterior surfaces of interior structure 42 also may be reflective.Alternatively still, interior structure 42 may be transparent to thedisinfecting radiation and at least interior surface 27 of body 20 maybe reflective. For example, body 20 may be composed of aluminum,interior surface 27 may be coated with a UV reflective material, andinterior structure 42 may be composed of a UV translucent material.

In some aspects, inlet, 30, flow channel 44, reflecting chamber 70,and/or outlet 80 may include mixing elements, such as baffles configuredto further adjust the hydrodynamics of first fluid F₁ within fluidchamber 40. Additional heating elements (e.g., electric coils) also maybe included. For example, the mixing elements and/or outlet 80 may beconfigured to heat first fluid F₁ to a desired usage temperature. As afurther example, various surfaces of interior structure 42 may beconfigured as a mixing and/or heating element.

Outlet 80 may extend through any portion of body 20 to discharge secondfluid F₂ from body 20. As shown in FIG. 1, outlet 80 may comprise anoutlet structure 82 extending outwardly from body 20 along axis Y-Y anda lumen 84 extending through body 20 along axis Y-Y to discharge secondfluid F₂ through interior surface 23 of body 20 and/or chamber 70. Forexample, second fluid F₂ may be discharged from lumen 84, out of body20, and into a second hose or tube engageable with outlet structure 82.Portions of outlet 80 may be used to modify characteristics of firstfluid F₁. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, lumen 84 may have aconsistent diameter along axis Y-Y, and outlet 80 may comprise anoptional throttling portion 86 with a diameter that varies along axisY-Y to modify (e.g., slightly increase) a velocity of first fluid F₁before being discharged from body 20 as second fluid F₂.

As shown in FIG. 2, at least an opening of lumen 84 may be coaxial withaxis Y-Y, and thus aligned with radiation source 90 along axis Y-Y.Because of this alignment, a larger portion of the disinfectingradiation may be discharged from reflecting chamber 70 through lumen 84with second fluid F₂, allowing for further disinfection downstream ofapparatus 10. For example, interior surfaces of lumen 84 and/or thesecond hose or tube may be made of or coated with a reflective materialsimilar to above. As also shown in FIG. 2, optional throttling portion86 may have a larger opening than lumen 84, allowing even more thedisinfecting radiation to be discharged.

As shown in FIG. 2, inlet 30 may be generally transverse with outlet 80so that the interconnecting volumes of flow channel 44 and interiorstructure 42 may be used to modify a characteristic of first fluid F₁.For example, lumen 34 of inlet structure 32 may include across-sectional shape extending along axis X-X, lumen 84 of outletstructure 82 may include a cross-sectional shape extending along axisY-Y, and axis X-X may be generally transverse with axis Y-Y. As shown inFIG. 3, the cross-sectional shape of lumen 84 and/or outlet structure 82may be coaxial with axis Y-Y. Any shapes may be used, including thecircular shapes shown in FIG. 3. The characteristic may include avelocity of first fluid F₁ For example, fluid chamber 40 may beconfigured to receive first fluid F₁ at inlet 30 at a first velocity anddirect fluid F₁ into reflecting chamber 70 at a second velocity lessthan the first velocity. At least the first velocity may be a jet flowvelocity. Interior structure 42 may be configured to transition fluid F₁into the second velocity in chamber 70. In this example, thecomparatively slower second velocity of first fluid F₁ in chamber 70 mayincrease the residence time for fluid F₁, allowing for delivery of anoptimal dose Q of the disinfecting radiation to fluid F₁ as it passesthrough body 20.

In some aspects, disinfection apparatus 10 may be configured to realizea reduced velocity in or across fluid chamber 70 and distribute thedisinfecting light throughout reflecting chamber 70, resulting in anoptimal dose Q distribution across disinfection apparatus 10, asexpressed by Equation (1).

Results from an exemplary computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulationare shown in FIG. 6. As shown, the above-described configurations offluid chamber 40 (e.g., including interior structure 42) maysignificantly reduce the first velocity of first fluid F₁ at inlet 30 tothe slower, second velocity first fluid F₁ inside reflecting chamber 70,providing a reduced velocity distribution in chamber 70, where themajority of the disinfection takes place.

As shown in FIG. 7, radiation source 90 may output the disinfectingradiation into reflecting chamber 70, and at least interior surfaces 74of chamber 70 may be configured to maximize the effectiveness of theradiation by reflecting it within chamber 70. As shown, a portion of thedisinfecting radiation may be emitted from radiation source 90, passedthrough window 56, and reflected between interior surfaces 74 of chamber70. The cross-section of reflecting chamber 70 may be varied withoutaffecting functionality. For example, although shown with reference toapparatus 10, which has a circular shape, FIG. 7 may be likewiseapplicable to the quadrilateral shape of apparatus 110 of FIG. 4, whichcomprises an inlet 130, a fluid chamber 140, a flow channel 144, areflecting chamber 170, and an outlet 180 similar to counterpartelements of apparatus 10; or the polygonal shape of apparatus 210 ofFIG. 5, which comprises an inlet 230, a fluid chamber 240, a flowchannel 244, a reflecting chamber 270, and an outlet 280 similar tocounterpart elements of apparatus 10. An exemplary irradiancedistribution for the disinfecting radiation within reflecting chamber 70is shown in FIG. 8. As shown, a similar irradiance may be achievedacross most of reflecting chambers 70, 170, and 180.

A performance of disinfection apparatus 10 may be relative to dimensionsof reflecting chamber 70, such as an aspect ratio. As shown in FIG. 2,an aspect ratio “AR” may be defined as the quotient of a first dimensionor length “L” of reflecting chamber 70 along axis Y-Y divided by asecond dimension or depth “D” of chamber 70 along axis X-X. In FIGS. 2and 3, for example, where reflecting chamber 70 has a circularcross-sectional shape, the second dimension or depth D may be a diameterof the circular shape. The definition of hydraulic diameter may be usedto determine the AR of non-circular shapes, such as the quadrilateralshape of reflecting chamber 170 of FIG. 4 or the polygonal shape ofreflecting chamber 270 of FIG. 5, in which the AR may be equal to theproduct of four multiplied by an area of the shape “A” and a wettedperimeter of the cross-section “P”.

As shown in FIG. 8, the AR of interior chamber 70 may significantlyaffect power conservation along the length L of chamber 70. For example,in FIG. 8, it is shown that extending the length L of chamber 70 alongaxis Y-Y while maintaining a volume of chamber 70 causes the total UVpower to decrease significantly along length L, resulting in a minimaldose delivery after a certain length L. Because this minimal dose maynot be sufficient for disinfection, FIG. 8 also demonstrates the benefitof optimizing the AR of exemplary geometric configurations to maximizethe delivery of dose Q within reflecting chamber 70.

An exemplary average distribution of dose Q across reflecting chamber 70is depicted in FIG. 9, demonstrating how the optical and hydrodynamicaspects of disinfection apparatus 10 may realize an optimal distributionof dose Q.

Additional aspects of disinfection apparatus 10 are now described withreference to exemplary processes, including continuous processes andbatch processes. For some continuous processes, where first fluid F₁passes continuously through body 20, dimensions of reflecting chamber 70including its AR may be optimized such that a reduced velocity of fluidF₁ is achieved within chamber 70. In some aspects, an AR greater than orequal to 1 may be utilized.

For other continuous processes, where first fluid F₁ likewise passescontinuously through body 20, dimensions of reflecting chamber 70 may befurther optimized to conserve power through body 20 and maximize thedose Q delivered to first fluid F₁. For example, the dimensions ofchamber 70 may be optimized so that the disinfecting radiation isprovided throughout body 20. For certain shapes or volumes of body 20,such as the cylindrical volume shown in FIGS. 1-3, an AR ofapproximately 1 may be utilized to minimize power dissipation in body20.

For the continuous processes, FIG. 7 shows how irradiance may beaffected by optimizing the AR of reflecting chamber 70; and FIG. 8 showshow increasing the AR may decrease of the total power within chamber 70if its volume is kept the same. For some volumes of reflecting chamber70, and AR less than or equal to 0.5 and greater than or equal to 2 maybe utilized to maximize dose Q through body 20 using chamber 70. Forexample, FIG. 9 shows an average total distribution of dose Q within thecross-section of reflecting chamber 70.

Comparatively, for the batch processes, where a volume of first fluid F₁may be temporarily stored inside reflecting chamber 70, lower ARs may beused if more intense irradiance along reflecting chamber 70 is desired.For example, an AR of less than 1 may be used if the power of radiationsource 90 is increased.

Additional aspects are now described with reference to a disinfectionapparatus 310, shown conceptually in FIG. 11; a disinfection apparatus410, shown conceptually in FIG. 12; a disinfection apparatus 510, shownconceptually in FIG. 16; and disinfection apparatus 610, shownconceptually in FIG. 18. Each variation of disinfection apparatus 10,such as apparatus 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, and 610, may include elementssimilar to those of apparatus 10, but within the respective 100, 200,300, 400, 500, or 600 series of numbers, whether or not those elementsare shown.

As shown in FIG. 11, disinfection apparatus 310 may comprise a body 320,an inlet 330, a fluid chamber 340, a fluid channel 344, a reflectingchamber 370, an outlet 380, and a radiation source 390. Body 320 may beconical. For example, body 320 of FIG. 11 includes a truncated coneshape, wherein inlet 330 and outlet 380 are at a first or base end ofbody 320, and radiation source 390 is at second or truncated end 322 ofbody 320. Similar to above, apparatus 310 may comprise an interiorstructure 342 in fluid chamber 340 to define at least two interconnectedinterior shapes or volumes, including flow channel 344 and reflectingchamber 370. For example, fluid channel 344 and reflecting chamber 370also may include a truncated cone shape similar to that of body 320along axis Y-Y.

As also shown in FIG. 11, a first dimension of reflecting chamber 370adjacent radiation source 390 may be smaller than a second dimension ofchamber 370 adjacent outlet 380. The first and second dimensions may bediameters. In some aspects, the first and second dimensions may beconfigured to modify a characteristic of first fluid F₁ in chamber 370.For example, the larger second dimension may increase the residence timeof fluid F₁ in chamber 370 by causing vortexes and/or other turbulentflow conditions to form adjacent a lumen 384 of outlet 380, furtherreducing the velocity of first fluid F₁ along axis Y-Y.

As shown in FIG. 12, disinfection apparatus 410 may comprise a body 420,an inlet 430, a fluid chamber 440, a fluid channel 444, a reflectingchamber 470, an outlet 480, and a radiation source 490. Body 420 alsomay be conical. For example, body 420 of FIG. 13 similarly includes atruncated cone shape, wherein inlet 430 and outlet 480 are at a first ortruncated end 422 of body 420, and radiation source 490 is at a secondor base end of body 420. Similar to above, apparatus 410 may comprise aninterior structure 442 in fluid chamber 440 to define at least twointerconnected interior shapes or volumes, including flow channel 444and reflecting chamber 470. For example, fluid channel 444 andreflecting chamber 470 also may include a truncated cone shape similarto that of body 420 along axis Y-Y.

As also shown in FIG. 12, a first dimension of reflecting chamber 470adjacent radiation source 490 may be larger than a second dimension ofchamber 470 adjacent outlet 480. The first and second dimensions may bediameters; and may again modify a characteristic of first fluid F₁ inchamber 470. For example, the smaller first dimension may throttle fluidF₁ in chamber 470, increasing its velocity along axis Y-Y before beingdischarged a lumen 484 of outlet 480. As a further example, apparatus410 may be configure to receive first fluid F₁ at a first velocity atinlet 430; reduce the first velocity to a second, slower velocity in afirst portion of chamber 470; and gradually transition the secondvelocity back to the first velocity in a second portion of chamber 470,as may be required in a constant velocity system.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, radiation source 390, 490 may output thedisinfecting radiation into reflecting chamber 370, 470; and interiorsurfaces 374, 474 of chamber 370, 470 and the geometry of the chamber370, 470 may be configured to maximize the effectiveness of theradiation by reflecting it within chamber 370, 470. In FIGS. 13 and 14,for example, a first portion of the disinfecting radiation may beemitted from radiation source 390, 490 and reflected between interiorsurfaces 374, 474 of reflecting chamber 370, 470 to irradiate firstfluid F₁ in chamber 370, 470; and a second portion of the radiation mayadditionally irradiate second fluid F₂ in lumens 384, 484 and downstreamthereof. As similarly shown in FIG. 15, a first irradiance may beachieved across most of chamber 370, 470, and a second irradiance may beachieved in lumens 384, 484.

As shown in FIG. 16, disinfection apparatus 510 may comprise a body 520,an inlet 530, a fluid chamber 540, a fluid channel 544, a reflectingchamber 570, an outlet 580, and a radiation source 590. Body 520 may bespherical. For example, body 520 of FIG. 16 includes a spherical shape,wherein inlet 530 and outlet 580 are disposed adjacent a first end ofbody 520 and radiation source 590 is disposed adjacent a second,opposite end of body 520. Similar to above, apparatus 510 may comprisean interior structure 542 in fluid chamber 540 to define at least twointerconnected interior shapes or volumes, including flow channel 544and reflecting chamber 570. For example, fluid channel 544 andreflecting chamber 570 may include a spherical shape similar to that ofbody 520.

Aspects of disinfection apparatus 510 may be modified to accommodate thespherical shape of body 520, fluid channel 544, and/or reflectingchamber 570. For example, radiation source 590 may be spaced apart froman interior surface of body 520. As shown in FIG. 16, reflecting chamber570 may include an opening 578 in communication with fluid channel 544and radiation source 590 may be disposed in opening 578. For example, aprotrusion 554 may extend inwardly from a first end at body 520 to asecond end in opening 578. In this example, radiation source 590 may belocated inside of protrusion 554 and configured to output thedisinfecting radiation through a window 556 at the second end ofprotrusion 554. In some aspects, protrusion 554 may have a curvedexterior surface and/or a curved transition to body 520 to minimizeinterference with first fluid F₁.

The spherical shape of body 520, fluid channel 544, and/or reflectingchamber 570 may provide hydrodynamic advantages. For example, fluidchannel 554 may be defined by interior surfaces of body 520 and exteriorsurfaces of interior structure 542, and said surfaces may have a largersurface area than the counterpart surfaces of apparatus 10, 110, 210,310, or 410 because of the spherical shape. As a result, body 520 may besmaller than bodies 10, 110, 210, 310, or 410 because a first velocityof first fluid F₁ at inlet 530 may be more efficiently transitioned to asecond, slower velocity because of additional drag imposed by the largersurface areas. The spherical shapes of apparatus 510 also may provideoptical advantages. As shown in FIG. 17, spherical interior surfaces 574of reflecting chamber 570 may be configured to maximize theeffectiveness of the radiation by reflecting it within body 520 and/orchamber 570, and concentrating the reflected radiation upon a volume offirst fluid F₁ at a center of chamber 570. As also shown in FIG. 17, atleast a portion of the disinfecting radiation may be discharged throughoutlet 580 with second fluid F₂.

As shown in FIG. 18, disinfection apparatus 610 may comprise a body 620,an inlet 630, a fluid channel 644, a reflecting chamber 670, an outlet680, and a radiation source 690. Except for the differences nowdescribed, these elements of apparatus 610 may be similar to counterpartelements of apparatus 10. For example, radiation source 690 may be morepowerful than radiation source 90, causing additional heat. Aspects ofapparatus may be modified to take the heat. As shown in FIG. 18, forexample, apparatus 610 may comprise a cap 650 comprising a thermallyinsulating layer 652, a thermally conductive layer 653, and a coolingdevice 657.

Thermally insulating layer 652 may be attached to one end 622 of body620 and configured to seal fluid chamber 640. As shown in FIG. 18,radiation source 690 may be mounted in an interior compartment 654 ofinsulating layer 652, and a window 656 may be used to seal source 690 incompartment 654 and pass the disinfecting energy into chamber 670 above.Thermally conductive layer 653 may be attached to both radiation source690 and thermally insulating layer 652. Accordingly, the additional heatgenerated by radiation source 690 may be transferred to layer 653 withlimited or zero transfer to body 620 because of insulating layer 652,which provides a thermal break between body 620 and conducting layer653.

Cooling device 657 may be configured to discharge the additional heat.As shown in FIG. 18, device 657 may comprise a fan 658 and a heat sink659. Heat sink 659 may be attached to or integral with thermallyconductive layer 653, and may include a plurality of fins. Fan 658 mayinclude an electric fan that is attached to or adjacent apparatus 610,and operable to discharge the additional heat into a surroundingenvironment by directing a flow of air over heat sink 659.

As described herein, any of disinfection apparatus 10, 110, 210, 310,410, 510, and 610 may similarly utilize disinfecting radiation todisinfect first fluid F₁ within a corresponding reflecting chamber 70,170, 270, 370, 470, 570, or 670. Hydrodynamic aspects of these chambersmay substantially eliminate jet velocities that might otherwise shortcircuit fluid F₁, especially where it has a high flow rate (e.g.,greater than 1 gpm) and the chamber has a small volume (e.g., less than500 mL). Accordingly, any of chambers 70, 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, or670 may be configured such that fluid F₁ receives an optimal dose Q ofdisinfecting radiation. For example, dimensions of each chamber 70, 170,270, 370, 470, 510, 610 may be similarly optimized based on volume suchthat the UV power loss due to water and surface absorption is minimized.

Numerous variations of apparatus 10 are also described with reference toapparatus 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, and 610. Any variation of apparatus10 may include any radiation source 90, including any number of pointsources in any arrangement. Aspects of these variations also may becombined, with each combination and iteration being part of thisdisclosure. For example, any variation of body 20 and/or cap 50 madefrom any thermally conductive material such as aluminum, copper,stainless steel, and or other materials; any of which may be coupledtogether to cool radiation source 90 with first fluid F₁. As a furtherexample, any variation or apparatus 10 may likewise include a thermalbreak and/or cooling device similar to those of apparatus 610.

Any variation of disinfection apparatus 10 also may comprise a controlelement operable with radiation source 90 to control a flow of firstfluid F₁ and/or second fluid F₂. For example, apparatus 10, 110, 210,310, 410, 510, or 610 may comprise an upstream sensor configured todetect a demand for disinfected fluid and activate radiation source 90,190, 290, 390, 490, 590, or 690 to meet that demand. As a furtherexample, apparatus 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, or 610 may likewisecomprise a downstream sensor configured to determine a disinfectionlevel of second fluid F₂, and close an operable valve at outlet 80, 180,280, 380, 480, 580, or 680 if the disinfection level is unsatisfactory.

Additional aspects of this disclosure are now described with referenceto an exemplary disinfection method 700. For ease of description,aspects of method 700 are described with reference to disinfectionapparatus 10, although similar aspects may likewise be described withreference to any of apparatus 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, and/or 610. Asshown in FIG. 19, method 700 may comprise: directing first fluid F₁ frominlet 30 of body 20 at a first velocity into reflecting chamber 70 witha second velocity less than the first velocity (a “directing step 720);exposing the fluid F₁ to a disinfecting radiation output into reflectingchamber 70 toward outlet 80 (an “exposing step 740); and dischargingfluid F₁ from body 20 out of outlet 80 extending through an end of thereflecting chamber (a “discharging step 760”). Exemplary aspects ofsteps 720, 740, and 760 are now described.

Directing step 720 may comprise any intermediate steps for receivingand/or directing first fluid F₁. For example, body 20 may comprise fluidchannel 44 (e.g., FIG. 2), and directing step 720 may comprise directingthe first fluid F₁ into reflecting chamber 70 through fluid channel 44.In some aspects, reflecting chamber 70 may have a length and a diameter,and the length divided by the diameter may be equal to betweenapproximately 0.5 and approximately 2; or between approximately 0.5 andapproximately 3. As shown in FIG. 2, inlet 30 and outlet 30 may at oneof body 20, and step 720 may comprise: directing first fluid F₁ frominlet 30 in a first direction along to axis Y-Y; and directing fluid F₁into reflecting chamber 70 in a second direction different from thefirst direction. For example, directing fluid F₁ from fluid channel 44into reflecting chamber 70 may comprise directing the fluid F₁ from thefirst direction to the second direction. In some aspects, directingfirst fluid F₁ through fluid channel 44 may comprise causing fluid F₁ toat least partially surround chamber 70. Directing fluid F₁ through fluidchannel 44 also may comprise directing first fluid F₁ between interiorsurface 28 of the body 20 and exterior surface 41 of reflecting chamber70. In some aspects, step 720 may further comprise activating radiationsensor 90 in response to upstream sensor.

Exposing step 740 may comprise any intermediate steps for disinfectingfirst fluid F₁. For example, step 740 may comprise outputting thedisinfecting radiation from radiation source 90, which may be disposedat end 22 of body 20. Step 720 and/or 740 may comprise diverting fluidF₁ from fluid channel 44 into reflecting chamber 70 with an internalsurface 27 of body 20 disposed adjacent radiation source 90. Step 740may further comprise outputting the radiation towards outlet 80, such asfrom one or more point sources of radiation source 90. In some aspects,inlet 30 may be substantially transverse with outlet 80, and the methodmay further comprise discharging at least a portion of the radiation outof outlet 80 with second fluid F₂. Step 740 also may comprise causingthe disinfecting radiation to be reflected off of reflective surfaces ofreflecting chamber 70.

As a further example, exposing step 740 may comprise outputting thedisinfecting radiation through window 56, which may be disposed anywherebetween radiation source 90 and reflecting chamber 70. In step 740, thedisinfecting radiation may have a wavelength of between approximately200 nm to approximately 320 nm; or between approximately 230 nm toapproximately 290 nm, such that step 740 may comprise exposing fluid F₁to a UV radiation. As further example, the disinfecting radiation may beoutput through an optical component, such as a lens configured to changean optical quality of the radiation.

Discharging step 760 may comprise any intermediate steps for dischargingfirst fluid F₁ from body 20 as second fluid F₂. For example, step 760may comprise modifying characteristics of fluid F₁, such as velocity ortemperature; and/or operating a control valve at outlet 80 responsive toa downstream sensor.

While principles of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to illustrative aspects for particular applications, thedisclosure is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in theart and access to the teachings provided herein will recognizeadditional modifications, applications, aspects, and substitution ofequivalents all fall in the scope of the aspects described herein.Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be considered as limitedby the foregoing description.

1. A reactor apparatus comprising: a body including an inlet extendingthrough the body to receive a fluid at a first velocity, a reflectingchamber extending along an axis of the body, and an outlet extendingthrough an end of the reflecting chamber to discharge the fluid from thebody; a fluid channel in the body to direct a fluid from the inlet intothe reflecting chamber at a second velocity smaller than the firstvelocity; and a radiation source positioned to output a disinfectingradiation into the reflecting chamber toward the outlet.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein at least an opening of the inlet isgenerally transverse with the axis.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 whereinat least an opening of the outlet is generally parallel to the axis. 4.The apparatus of claim 2 wherein at least an opening of the outlet iscoaxial with the axis.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein theradiation source is coaxial with the axis so that a portion of thedisinfecting radiation is discharged from the outlet with the fluid. 6.The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the portion of discharged radiationfurther disinfects the fluid downstream of the apparatus.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein a cross-section of the reflecting chamberacross the axis is circular.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thebody and the reflecting chamber include a similar shape or volume alongthe axis.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the similar shape orvolume is cylindrical, conical, polygonal, pyramidal, spherical, orprismatic.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein dimensions of thereflecting chamber and the radiation source are configured to distributethe disinfecting radiation throughout the reflecting chamber.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the axis extends between a first end ofthe body and a second end of the body, the radiation source is disposedat the first end, the reflecting chamber is disposed between the firstand second ends, and the outlet extends through the first end.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11 wherein the inlet is adjacent the first end. 13.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein interior surfaces of the reflectingchamber include a UV reflective material.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the reflecting chamber has a length and a diameter, and thelength divided by the diameter is equal to between approximately 0.5 andapproximately
 2. 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the lengthdivided by the diameter is equal to between approximately 0.5 andapproximately
 3. 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid channelat least partially surrounds the reflecting chamber.
 17. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the reflecting chamber is defined by an internalstructure extending along the axis in the body.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the radiation source includes one or more pointsources.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the one or more pointsources emit the disinfecting radiation in a direction generallyparallel to the axis.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising awindow disposed between the radiation source and the reflective chamber,wherein the disinfecting radiation passes through the window.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 20 wherein the window seals the radiation source fromthe fluid.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the disinfectingradiation includes a wavelength of between approximately 200 nm toapproximately 320 nm.
 23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thedisinfecting radiation includes a peak wavelength of betweenapproximately 230 nm to approximately 300 nm.
 24. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the radiation source is a UV-LED.
 25. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the radiation source has a lens.
 26. A method comprising:directing a fluid from an inlet of a body at a first velocity into areflecting chamber at a second velocity less than the first velocity;and exposing the fluid to a disinfecting radiation output into thereflecting chamber toward the outlet; and discharging the fluid from thebody out of an outlet extending through an end of the reflectingchamber.
 27. The method of claim 26 wherein the body comprises a fluidchannel and directing the fluid comprises directing the fluid throughthe fluid channel.
 28. The method of claim 26 wherein the reflectingchamber has a length and a diameter, and the length divided by thediameter is equal to between approximately 0.5 and approximately
 2. 29.The method of claim 26 wherein the reflecting chamber has a length and adiameter, and the length divided by the diameter is equal to betweenapproximately 0.5 and approximately
 3. 30. The method of claim 29wherein the inlet and outlet are disposed at one end of the body, anddirecting the fluid further comprises: directing the fluid from theinlet in a first direction along the axis; and directing the fluid intoreflecting chamber in a second direction along the axis, wherein thefirst direction is different from second direction.
 31. The method ofclaim 30 wherein directing the fluid further comprises directing thefluid from the first direction to the second direction.
 32. The methodof claim 27, wherein directing the fluid through the fluid channelcomprises causing the fluid to at least partially surround thereflecting chamber.
 33. The method of claim 27, wherein directing thefluid through the fluid channel comprises directing the fluid between aninterior surface of the body and an exterior surface of the reflectingchamber.
 34. The method of claim 27, wherein the second velocity is lessthan 50% of the first velocity.
 35. The method of claim 26, whereinexposing the fluid to the disinfecting radiation comprises outputtingthe disinfecting radiation from a radiation source disposed on the body.36. The method of claim 26, further comprising diverting the fluid fromthe fluid channel into the reflecting chamber with an internal surfaceof the body disposed adjacent the radiation source.
 37. The method ofclaim 26, further comprising outputting the disinfecting radiationtowards the outlet.
 38. The method of claim 37 further comprisingoutputting the disinfecting radiation from one or more point sources ofthe radiation source.
 39. The method of claim 37 wherein the inlet isgenerally transverse with the outlet, further comprising discharging atleast a portion of the disinfecting radiation out of the outlet withfluid.
 40. The method of claim 26, further comprising causing thedisinfecting radiation to be reflected off of reflective surfaces of thereflecting chamber.
 41. The method of claim 26, wherein exposing thefluid to the disinfecting radiation comprises outputting thedisinfecting radiation through a window disposed between the radiationsource and reflecting chamber.
 42. The method of claim 26, furthercomprising causing the disinfecting radiation to have a wavelength ofbetween approximately 200 nm to approximately 320 nm.
 43. The method ofclaim 26, further comprising causing the disinfecting radiation to havea peak wavelength of between approximately 230 nm to approximately 300nm.
 44. The method claim 26, wherein exposing the fluid to thedisinfecting radiation comprises outputting a UV radiation.
 45. Anapparatus comprising: a body including an inlet extending through thebody to receive a fluid at a first velocity, a reflecting meansextending along an axis of the body, and an outlet extending through anend of the reflecting means to discharge the fluid from the body, a flowmeans in the body for directing a fluid from the inlet into thereflecting means at a second velocity smaller than the first velocity;and a radiation means for outputting a disinfecting radiation into thereflecting means toward the outlet.
 46. The apparatus of claim 45wherein at least an opening of the inlet is generally transverse withthe axis
 47. The apparatus of claim 46 wherein at least an opening ofthe outlet is generally parallel to the axis.
 48. The apparatus of claim46 wherein at least an opening of the outlet is coaxial with the axis.49. The apparatus of claim 47 wherein the radiation source is coaxialwith the axis so that a portion of the disinfecting radiation isdischarged from the outlet with the fluid.
 50. The apparatus of claim49, wherein the portion of discharged radiation further disinfects thefluid downstream of the apparatus.
 51. The apparatus of claim 45,wherein a cross-section of the reflecting means across the axis iscircular.
 52. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the body and thereflecting means include a similar shape or volume along the axis. 53.The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the similar shape or volume iscylindrical, conical, polygonal, pyramidal, or spherical.
 54. Theapparatus of claim 45, wherein dimensions of the reflecting means andthe radiation means are configured to distribute the disinfectingradiation throughout the reflecting means.
 55. The apparatus of claim45, wherein the axis extends between a first end of the body and asecond end of the body, the radiation means is disposed at the secondend, the reflecting means is disposed between the first and second ends,and the outlet extends through the first end.
 56. The apparatus of claim55 wherein the inlet is adjacent the first end.
 57. The apparatus ofclaim 45, wherein interior surfaces of the reflecting means include a UVreflective material.
 58. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein thereflecting means has a length and a diameter, and the length divided bythe diameter is equal to between approximately 0.5 and approximately 2.59. The apparatus of claim 58 wherein the length divided by the diameteris equal to between approximately 0.5 and approximately
 3. 60. Theapparatus of claim 45, wherein the flow means at least partiallysurrounds the reflecting means.
 61. The apparatus of claim 45, whereinthe reflecting means is defined by an internal structure extending alongthe axis in the body.
 62. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein theradiation means includes one or more point sources.
 63. The apparatus ofclaim 62 wherein the one or more point sources emit the disinfectingradiation in a direction generally parallel to the axis.
 64. Theapparatus of claim 45, further comprising a transmitting means disposedbetween the radiation means and the reflecting means, wherein thedisinfecting radiation passes through the transmitting means.
 65. Theapparatus of claim 64 wherein the transmitting means seals the radiationmeans from the fluid.
 66. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein thedisinfecting radiation includes a wavelength of between approximately200 nm to approximately 320 nm.
 67. The apparatus of claim 45, whereinthe disinfecting radiation includes a peak wavelength of betweenapproximately 230 nm to approximately 300 nm.
 68. The apparatus of claim45, wherein the radiation means comprises a UV-LED.
 69. The apparatus ofclaim 45, wherein the radiation means comprises a lens.